Japanese nationalism - A foreign view

Sammanfattning: The purpose of this paper was to increase understanding of how foreign professionals within the diplomatic sector, working with foreign relations to Japan, feel, perceive and relate to Japanese nationalism. The concept of banal nationalism and semiology was used as a theoretical base for the study, as well as theories of Japanese cultural or racial uniqueness (Nihonjinron). A phenomenological method was used, allowing the informant's own interpretation to be discovered. Interviews were made with foreign relations professionals in Tokyo. The results showed that the informants interpreted the word ?nationalism? to represent the form of behaviour and ideas associated with right-wing groups. The informants views on Japanese society and culture (cultural nationalism) showed them viewing Japan as a hierarchical society with honest individuals; very much influenced by an ?island country mentality?. The informants did not see their decision-making influenced by Japanese nationalism. However, it was uncovered that to some influence were excreted over the informant's decisions via cultural nationalism.